Getting Around...

This short post is dedicated to Modes of transportation in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Enjoy the snapshots of what we daily see on the city streets...


A Bicycle. Besides walking, this is the most affordable travel option. However, bikes are for more than just transportation. This young man is peddling his kitchen-related wares from the back of his bike.



A Cyclo (see-clo). A cousin to the tricycle, the cyclo is ideal when transporting large market purchases home. Many tourists like them too because of the leisurely view they can take in as they travel along at a slow pace.





A Motorcycle. The motorcycle is by far the most common form of transportation used in Cambodia. It provides a fast way to get where you’re going and is small enough to be able to weave in and out of the hectic traffic that slows cars down.





A Tuk-Tuk. This motorcycle-powered carriage is the form of transportation we use most frequently. It is safer than just riding around on motorcycles and allows our family to all ride together. Because our new house (We’re moving in August!) has a garage to keep the EMM van in, we’ll start using the van more regularly. I have enjoyed the challenge of learning to drive in what seems to Americans as the crazy Cambodian traffic.

And something you'll never see in the United States: an SUV. The sports utility vehicle seems to be quite popular here in Cambodia. We were surprised to see how many SUV’s there were when we got here. Though the country has great financial need, there are some people here with well-padded wallets.

That's all for this post. Thanks again for your interest in our lives and for your prayers!

-Ryan

Kids, Cultures, and a Trip to the Countryside

When we were preparing to come to Cambodia, we were told several times that having children with us would make for an easier entry into the new culture, as kids open doors for relating with people. I'm guessing this is because of their lack of inhibitions, appeal across cultures (the "cute factor"), and the fact that most everyone loves a baby. We've certainly been given a warm welcome as an expatriate family living here, evidenced by the many smiles, attempts at communication, and attention we get when we are out as a foursome. We often joke about the huge fan clubs that Juliana and Kai have, and how we can identify with the Hollywood set who can't seem to leave their homes without encountering adoring fans and paparazzi. But as parents, the situation is not always so funny. Pale, white skin attracts a lot of attention here (it's considered more beautiful than dark, brown skin - you wouldn't believe the assortment of lotions sold in markets that supposedly whitens brown skin!), and sometimes that attention can become a bit bothersome. People do enjoy children here, but it's not uncommon for them to show that enjoyment by tweaking noses, touching faces and arms, and actually taking Kai out of our arms (often without asking) to hold him and get a picture of/with him. Juliana has had her share of photos taken, too. Bless his heart, Kai seems to mind the least of any of us, but Juliana doesn't always appreciate the stares, extra attention and contact. It's hard to know how to be hospitable and share our children - and to teach them to be respectful and kind - when they and their personal space are not always given the same courtesy. It's going to take us a bit to adjust to the cultural differences involved, ie. it's not considered rude to stare, children are somewhat objectified, and personal space is much, much smaller here. So, if you're ever not quite sure how to pray for us, wisdom, grace and patience are always good bets!

A common scene while traveling: someone pointing and commenting about our family

In other news, we were able to get out of the city for a few days last week, and spent Thursday evening through Sunday morning in Prey Veng, the provincial capital of the province of Prey Veng. Miles and Ruth Wiederkehr, Canadians serving with MCC, invited us out for a visit, and we had a great time. We rested, played games, road bike, watched some Mr. Bean, talked, ate Ruth's good cooking and baking, and got lots of mosquito bites. White skin is even scarcer in the countryside, so after our trip to the local market and nearby rainy-season lake (it completely dries up in the dry season) attracted a lot of attention, we retreated to a restaurant close to the Wiederkehrs for some cold drinks and a spell on the wooden swing (which reminded us of Atglen!). Below are some pictures from our time in Prey Veng...

Hanging out in the hammocks the Wiederkehr men built

On our bike ride

Juliana helped Ruth make Sesame Seed Cookies (Ruth's putting in palm sugar in photo above)



Theo and Andre Wiederkehr (ages 11 and 9) and Slater the cat

Blessed Bruises

When it comes to the game of "Swat," it most definately is better to give than to receive. This "icebreaker" game was a great way for us to get to know the young ladies in EMM's women's dorm last Sunday. After the morning's church service we took some hearty curry, bread, and fruit with us as we looked forward to sharing a meal and some fun with these university students.




We had a really good time together. The women enjoyed the meal and it was so fun to hear the group erupt in laughter as persons would get swatted with a rolled-up newspaper if they were not quick to say someone else's name.
Juliana quickly warmed up to the ladies and impressed them with the Khmer words she was using. And as always, Kai had his share of doting young ladies.

May God continue to bless these young ladies as they pursue university education in Phnom Penh. May they grow healthy: physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. May they be agents of future positive change their country. May they be builders of Christ's kingdom in Cambodia!

-Ryan